Driving at an airport

[Steve1969]

Does anyone work at an airport that requires airside driving?
I have just been diagnosed today with type 2 and am due back to work on Friday night.
Obviously I will have to let them know about my change in health but I hope it doesn't affect my job.
Has anyone else gone through the same experience?

Steve

 

[Drummer]

You should also inform the DVLA and your insurer, but it should make little difference if you can control your blood glucose levels by eating a low carb diet - it gets more complicated if you have to rely on medication.
I can't help with your specific employment, but I was lucky enough to get back almost to normal without much difficulty.

 

[MikeyBikey]

If you are on diet alone you do not need to tell the DVLA. At the other end of the scale if you are treated with insulin or any other drug that can cause a hypo you must tell the DVLA.

The middle ground is murky. For car/motorcycle licences it appears you need not tell the DVLA but for a PSV/HGV you must. If you come in this area I would recommend you call the DVLA for clarification. When calling note date, time, who you speak to and what advised.

 

[C&E Guy]

It also depends what you are driving. Is it just a car or small van? Or is it a big truck?

If you're on insulin, the categories you can drive will be restricted next time you renew your license. You need to renew (free) with medical evidence every three years. The DVLA will write to you and send you the relevant forms.

If you're on diet alone, or tablets, as has been said above, you will be ok.

 

[Steve1969]

It also depends what you are driving. Is it just a car or small van? Or is it a big truck?

If you're on insulin, the categories you can drive will be restricted next time you renew your license. You need to renew (free) with medical evidence every three years. The DVLA will write to you and send you the relevant forms.

If you're on diet alone, or tablets, as has been said above, you will be ok.

Hi,
Thanks for replying.
I am only required to drive a small van around the airside roads. I don't need to manoeuvre around aircraft or near aircraft so hopefully it won't be an issue. I'm not on insulin, only Metformin.
I'm sure the airport Occupational Health centre will insist on carrying out some tests etc but hopefully only as a precautionary measure.

Steve

 

[MikeyBikey]

As Metformin does not cause hypos you do not need to inform the DVLA but should inform your insurance company.

What I had a company car the insurance company car the insurance company asked for a full eye test as diabetes can affect the eyes. The company decided that all its drivers should be tested. A number were found to need glasses and one manager to have tunnel vision.

Beyond an eye test anything else could be construed discriminatory.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I don't think Metformin requires you to inform the DVLA, so I would hope you will be fine.

You could always call the DUK helpline for clarification of your legal rights and responsibilities if you feel OH are treating you unfairly. It's open during office hours.

Call 0345 123 2399, or email helpline@diabetes.org.uk

 

[parsley]

I don't know if it's changed since when I was diagnosed as Type 1 (1992) but I was no longer able to drive airside at the airport I work at...I did drive on airside roads and also aircraft stands but didn't drive in aircraft manoeuvring areas (taxiways etc) other than crossing them at approved crossing points.